PROJECT
Developmental functions of oxygen and redox cues in plants
Optimizing plant growth in marginal climates
Cell division is the fundamental unit of plant productivity. Plant and animal stem cells absolutely require low oxygen levels (hypoxia), and reduction/oxidation (redox) signaling is important for stem cell proliferation and differentiation. Exactly how these functions operate in plants is largely unknown.
Since ~2011 our knowledge of oxygen signaling has rapidly advanced. We know several targets of plant oxygen signaling, but key parts of the puzzle are still missing. In particular, there is strong evidence that oxygen and redox affect the activity of TOR kinase, which is a master regulator of cell division. However, evidence is conflicting, which suggests there are targets and interactions yet to be discovered.
Plants with discrete mutations in oxygen or redox signaling pathways show a number of unexplained developmental phenotypes. These include increased branching patterns. As branching is a critical determinant of plant yield, it will be important to understand these mechanisms.
Finally, our knowledge of plant growth at the molecular/ genomic level is largely limited to annual species, leaving woody perennials behind. Perennial species have a unique life cycle, entering dormancy, a sustained and seasonal cessation of growth, over the autumn and winter. Our group have over 10 years’ experience in research on the dormancy of grapevine, and how redox and oxygen signaling are important regulators. There is much yet to be explored.
Project goals:
To discover the key gene/ protein interactions and epigenetic changes that regulate:
- Cell division and meristem activity.
- Shoot and root branching patterns.
- The depth and cycles of dormancy in perennial plants
Several project opportunities include:
- Discover novel regulators of the TOR kinase through protein/protein and protein/gene interaction studies.
- Discover how oxygen and redox signaling regulate DNA methylation through genomic and genetic approaches.
- Decipher how redox signaling regulates bud dormancy in grapevine through physiology and biochemical approaches.
- Develop transgenic grapevines to study redox control of cell division and dormancy.
Suggested readings
- Considine MJ et al. (2017) Learning To Breathe: Developmental Phase Transitions in Oxygen Status. Trends in Plant Science.
- Considine MJ (2018) Oxygen, Energy, and Light Signalling Direct Meristem Fate. Trends in Plant Science.
- Weits DA et al. (2020) Molecular oxygen as a signaling component in plant development. New Phytologist.
Research team leader: Dr Michael Considine
I am a plant molecular physiologist, with an interest in plant developmental transitions. I hold an ARC Future Fellowship in the CoE Plant Energy Biology, in the School of Molecular Sciences. My research spans molecular, lab based studies through to field-based studies, as I have a history of collaboration with the fruit industry in WA. I am also more generally interested in genetics and genomics and currently sit on the national Gene Technology Technical Advisory Committee and Institutional Biosafety Committee.
Funding and Collaborations
Funding
- Australian Research Council Future Fellowship (FT180100409) 2019-23
- DPIRD perennial crops 2020-24
External Collaborators:
- Department of Primary Industries and Regional Development (DAFWA).
- Prof Christine Foyer, University of Birmingham
How to Apply
Check criteria
- To be accepted into the Doctor of Philosophy, an applicant must demonstrate they have sufficient background experience in independent supervised research to successfully complete, and provide evidence of English language proficiency
- Requirements are project-specific, projects will be tailored to the applicant’s skills. A sound knowledge of plant or animal development is desired.
Submit enquiry to research team leader
- Contact the research team leader by submitting an Expression of Interest form via the button below
- After you have discussed your project with the research team leader, contact hdr-science@uwa.edu.au to proceed with your application
Scholarships
- Domestic students
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All domestic students may apply for Research Training Program and University Postgraduate Awards (UPA) scholarships
- International students
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A range of scholarships are available from international organisations and governments. The full list, organised by country, is available on the Future Students website.
In addition, all international students may apply for International Research Training Program scholarships.
- Indigenous students
- Indigenous students are encouraged to apply for Indigenous Postgraduate Research Supplementary Scholarships.
- Forrest Foundation scholarships
- All international and Australian students who wish to study towards the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) at The University of Western Australia may apply for Forrest Scholarships.
